Building a $600-700 gaming pc for my mom (for basic games like the sims 4, stardew valley, hell maybe i can get her to play fortnite)
Just wondering if this part list looks good
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/s29wyW
(the reason I didn't pick a 2 tb ssd is because we have an old 1 tb hdd that we're taking from an office computer we don't need anymore and adding to it, which I'm pretty sure you can do that.... let me know if you can't)
#Building a budget gaming pc for my mom, how does this list look?
pale crow
carmine pivot
If you're willing to go AM4 (last-generation AMD), you can make a PC that is very capable of playing the games that you mentioned and leave you some room to upgrade later. If you'd rather go with new parts, you should 100% consider AM5. Definitely keep the old hard drive around for storage, but you will want an SSD for Windows and many new games. The 1TB should be adequate, at least to start.
timber widget
@carmine pivot Is correct, but you do not need to go with AMD parts on this budget, the PC you made is definitely good enough
You could go the micro ATX route and probably get back into your budget but the PC is largely Ok
carmine pivot
<@372582983091224576> Is correct, but you do not need to go with AMD parts on th...
Right, but good enough is meh. We could very easily save them money. If this is for system that only needs to play those games, definitely save the money
Sounds like they may be on a budget as is. May as well, if they want
timber widget
Intel does have the better budget options, since they only started losing to AMD recently
carmine pivot
Intel does have the better budget options, since they only started losing to AMD...
I would not be recommending LGA 1700 to someone with not a lot of experience. If you remember, contact frames were necessary for 12th gen, and if you want to upgrade, I don't know if this person's mom needs the ability to ever go 14th gen anything
A decent AM4 or AM5 system could carry the day and give them an upgrade path that would matter to them. In my opinion, of course.
timber widget
I would not be recommending LGA 1700 to someone with not a lot of experience. If...
Contact frames shouldn't be necessary
carmine pivot
That isn't to say that Intel doesn't offer great value options
carmine pivot
Contact frames shouldn't be necessary
timber widget
Although upgrades were an oversight on my part
carmine pivot
It's all good lol
timber widget
https://tenor.com/view/side-eye-dog-suspicious-look-suspicious-doubt-dog-doubt-g...
Not on the 12400F
carmine pivot
Not on the 12400F
Pretty sure it was all 12th gen
Yep, it was
And while it may continue to run in spec, I'd just not feel comfortable having anyone run that. That's just me.
timber widget
Yep, it was
Where are you getting this?
carmine pivot
It was the motherboard socket itself causing the bending, not just high-end SKUs
carmine pivot
Where are you getting this?
I'd ask you the same, to be honest
And plenty of other reporting that calls out the ILM as the problem
This video just demonstrates the contact frame doing its job as well
Don't be "source?!" guy lol.
timber widget
Don't be "source?!" guy lol.
I'm just confused because I heard that only the 12th gen i7s and i9s needed one
timber widget
Fair enough
carmine pivot
It was all of them
timber widget
I guess you're probably right then
carmine pivot
I guess you're probably right then
Definitely
But yeah lol, that is why I steer people away
Contact frames are cheap, at least
I used Thermalright's and it worked a treat
timber widget
Contact frames aren't that hard to install though, and the 12400F is good value
carmine pivot
Right, but my concern would be with a new builder and the potential for damage. Anytime we can avoid new people doing things they should not, that is ideal. This also voids motherboard and CPU warranty
Which typically scares people with less experience who are buying new parts
timber widget
I'm not sure but I got the sense that OP has experience with computers given that it's for their mom and the list is pretty good aside from the contact frame, also they mentioned they're taking a drive from an office computer, which for some reason new builders are scared of doing
carmine pivot
I always lean towards people lacking experience when they ask for help
Better to be sure than recommend something beyond them
If they insist upon Intel and believe they have the ability to mount a contact frame properly, it's not the worst option
timber widget
Better to be sure than recommend something beyond them
You could always recommend them both and list the pros and cons
carmine pivot
That's why I continued the contact frame conversation. I feel like Intel isn't the worst value, even if I wouldn't pick it
They absolutely have their place
I'll probably throw up some builds, but you'll be hard-pressed to get me to recommend Intel under any circumstances unless it's Coffee Lake or Haswell for someone needing something on the cheap. The rest would have to be a verrrry good deal to get a recommendation out of me. Some 12100 and 12400 (or their F variants) systems can certainly be an excellent value
Everything else, nah
Also, used builds offer soooooooooo much better value. I'd take a 5700XT before I ever got a 6600. Pop in an older CPU that doesn't bottleneck that, and you've got a very capable build that is even cheaper
Personally, I would go for this if it was for a parent who isn't too into gaming. Gets you on AM5 with an excellent upgrade path later on, can play non-demanding games like they asked for, and with DDR5 RAM on a more than capable board with power for a GPU if they want to add one later (get it used). Could even go 8700G if needed. I just built this exact PC (with a Fractal Pop Air case) for a middle-aged couple, and they love it for playing simple games. I'd throw a Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE on it, but it isn't absolutely necessary. The stock cooler can also work. https://pcpartpicker.com/list/X4DkWc
pale crow
Hey, just read this! I'm not super experienced in building pcs and really this is only my second time doing it myself, the first time I did it I was kinda forced to because my sister gave up on helping me lol, I enjoyed building it though, I figure that installing an hdd isn't too hard but if theres something I need to worry about with compatibility that's all I really need to know. Just making sure, the original list I made doesn't have any problems?
carmine pivot
Hey, just read this! I'm not super experienced in building pcs and really this i...
I'd proooobably go for something else if you could be convinced. That said, I would get a Thermalright contact frame if you will be going Intel 12th Gen. Would technically probably most likely in theory be fine without one lol. I just wouldn't.
pale crow
what is a contact frame and what is it used for?
carmine pivot
what is a contact frame and what is it used for?
It prevents the CPU from being bent by the inherently defective ILM that Intel refused to fix for the LGA 1700 socket. Basically, the thing that holds the CPU on the board, that bends the CPU over time and can cause an increase in temperatures. Over a long period of time, we will see.
pale crow
oh
pale crow
LOL hopefully my niece doesn't run into a problem with her pc, truthfully my sister was confused that she was missing something in the picture (which was probably a contact frame) and she just went ahead and put it directly onto the motherboard when building my nieces pc at first
Is it easy to install?
carmine pivot
LOL hopefully my niece doesn't run into a problem with her pc, truthfully my sis...
It is technically fine. It just prevents problems long-term. They are very easy to install, and I would recommend checking out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYU1OskbY-Q
pale crow
oh okay nice
carmine pivot
That said, if you could be convinced, AMD does have some great options lol
But I am biased af
Intel screwed too many things up for the last several years for me to recommend first
But they can be fine
pale crow
i personally have an amd on my pc but I didn't build mine, my sister built mine but at least she didnt mess stuff up on mine LOL
carmine pivot
i personally have an amd on my pc but I didn't build mine, my sister built mine ...
Ayyyy
pale crow
but yeah my mom doesnt really need super high end stuff for gaming considering she probably wont ever play something like fortnite
or gta
or anything that has guns
carmine pivot
Are you set on going for a dedicated GPU and the 12400? If not, the 8600G build above offers pretty decent gaming performance and allows you to upgrade to modern parts later on, rather than needing to upgrade the whoooole thing when it becomes obsolete.
pale crow
she likes roblox and sims and stuff
carmine pivot
Are you set on going for a dedicated GPU and the 12400? If not, the 8600G build ...
You super don't need a 6600 for that lol. It's a nice-to-have, but not a need, 200%
pale crow
I just kinda based the build off of the pc we made my niece, I figured that a graphics card would be better instead of integrated graphics
carmine pivot
I just kinda based the build off of the pc we made my niece, I figured that a gr...
The 8600G has better than your typical integrated graphics. That said, a dedicated GPU is better
But not needed for those kinds of games
pale crow
my mom is planning on buying like 1 part a month over time so she doesn't really mind
carmine pivot
That is fair. Do you guys mind used parts?
pale crow
she prefers new so we dont run into any issues lol
it would be just our luck to have one thing ruin the whole build
carmine pivot
Oh, okay. That is fair.
Then I'd say a 6600 would probably be what you'd want if you do go dedicated graphics
Honestly, your build should work, personal taste aside lol
I'd probably swap the SSD to a Teamgroup MP44L
pale crow
she just wants a good pc that works LOL she didnt even want rgb she said she wanted it to look like an office computer
okay
she settled for the epic case tho
carmine pivot
she just wants a good pc that works LOL she didnt even want rgb she said she wan...
That is fine lol. For the price, I always go Montech. I have no experience with BitFenix, but I'm sure it does what it's supposed to
Or Fractal Design Pop Air for a bit more. Reaaally nice cases
pale crow
I dont ever pay much attention to case i just pick somethin that looks nice and has a good amount of fans and good rgb
that being said I also accidentally picked a fixed lighting case for my nieces build but she doesnt care as long as she can play games
but on the bright side that case did have hella fans and it stays chill
carmine pivot
that being said I also accidentally picked a fixed lighting case for my nieces b...
If you ever need to, could always swap the fans for Arctic A-RGB. They're not terribly expensive and can be daisychained together. Just did that for a woman's son's PC. Demanded allll the RGB lol
pale crow
oh sick
my case I have is a musetex and it really sounds like the name of that one cold medicine company
musinex
carmine pivot
my case I have is a musetex and it really sounds like the name of that one cold ...
I've never heard of it
But now I'm amused
So I'll say that's a win
Nice
pale crow
its pretty nice I like it
carmine pivot
I've used it three times, and all three went without a hitch
Not a problem! And Gamers Nexus has a great video on installing. Ignore the instructions. They're terrible, lmao. Like all Thermalright, great products, awful instructions
pale crow
Alright! Thank you!
carmine pivot
I'd say that should do it, since it appears I can't convince you to have her join the AMD gang. Which is totally fine for her use case lol. (I just may cry a bit)
pale crow
LOL
carmine pivot
Just make sure to use FSR and AFMF2 (when needed) on the 6600. Great value GPU if you're going new
pale crow
what's fsr again
carmine pivot
Increases FPS through upscaling
pale crow
oh ok is it in the software?
carmine pivot
And AFMF2 is frame generation
carmine pivot
oh ok is it in the software?
AMD Adrenalin, yep
pale crow
nice
carmine pivot
Yeeeee
carmine pivot
Free FPS/smoothness
carmine pivot
i have a 6700xt
Ooooooooooooh
Those
Both of those
Lol
Do you have a high refresh rate monitor?
If not, AFMF2 may not be as useful
FSR, yes. Especially FSR frame generation. Those will be in-game settings.
pale crow
mine only goes up to 165
carmine pivot
That is plenty high lol
pale crow
but i keep it capped at 144 because roblox doesnt have a setting for 165
and I play a lot of roblox
carmine pivot
Definitely give AFMF2 a try and see if you like it! Frame generation is an excellent AMD feature
pale crow
alright!
carmine pivot
Illustrates the difference some. It can be huge. If you notice any severe graphical problems like ghosting or artifacts, it can always go off. For the smoothness, I never go without it. Never. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUNkCXd_UKo
pale crow
my adrenalin isnt opening bruh
carmine pivot
Finding that was definitely a "where have you been all my life" moment lol
carmine pivot
my adrenalin isnt opening bruh
Maybe see if it is in your system tray and give it a click. Maybe a right-click? I'm currently on an NVIDIA GPU system and don't remember off-hand.
pale crow
its not my pc just wants to be an ass
carmine pivot
Alternatively, could be that it is out of date or something. Could reinstall from AMD's website
Ahhhhh, that is an oof
I'd attempt a reinstall
pale crow
if I restart my pc it usually fixes the problem
carmine pivot
If it continues
carmine pivot
if I restart my pc it usually fixes the problem
Sounds good. I'll be around if you need any help with that!
pale crow
okay i turned it on
carmine pivot
Ayyyy
And with the overlay, you will see the performance difference. Only AMD's can show it, though, so make sure to use that
pale crow
I love this graphics card but the only thing that sucks is only people with nvidias can get shaders on roblox 💔 damn you roblox
carmine pivot
And with the overlay, you will see the performance difference. Only AMD's can sh...
The video above shows the overlay after the how-to for enabling, if needed
pale crow
And with the overlay, you will see the performance difference. Only AMD's can sh...
does it make a difference if you already get high fps in a game
carmine pivot
Then, give it a try in any game that is demanding but typically gets 60+
carmine pivot
does it make a difference if you already get high fps in a game
If you already max out your refresh rate, I wouldn't bother
Can be turned off when that is the case
carmine pivot
Meant more for AAA games
pale crow
but sims 4 it will be nice in
carmine pivot
but sims 4 it will be nice in
More frames is more better, even if they're not entirely real frames
Smoothness
pale crow
my 50gb mods folder makes my pc suffer
carmine pivot
JESUS
pale crow
yeah i get around 60
carmine pivot
yeah i get around 60
Should see that number go up, just be sure to have the overlay on so you can bask in the glory
carmine pivot
Worst-case, feel free to tell me I suck and turn it off haha. I think you'll like it.
Best of luck on the build and enjoy all those modsssssssss. Sooooooooooooooo manyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
carmine pivot
Do also watch for artifacts and ghosting. Some people would give up smoothness to avoid seeing that at all. AFMF2 definitely can cause it on occasion
pale crow
whats artifacts again
pale crow
oh
pale crow
I definitely wouldnt prefer it but if it happens I can turn it off so
carmine pivot
When it is that bad, the GPU is likely going lol
I have never seen AFMF2 do that. Only mild ghosting of the cursor in Cyberpunk 2077
pale crow
god i hate sims 4 for their stupid graphical glitching the plumbob is missing and its not even because of the frame thing its just the updates messing with my mods
bruh just said ok
carmine pivot
god i hate sims 4 for their stupid graphical glitching the plumbob is missing an...
Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
I've seen Sims have issues before. I would be shocked to see AFMF2 cause any issues other than those I mentioned.
Don't mind me, just an AMD addict spreading the word of AFMF2
carmine pivot
oh they look so normal....!
Looks like the textures failing to load. I've seen this with updates and missing files
pale crow
yeah its because when the sims updates it disables mods
carmine pivot
Hate that
pale crow
so i had to turn them back on
carmine pivot
gotta split my mods folder till i find the culprit
That suuuuuuuuuuuuuucks
carmine pivot
Sounds good lol. Hope you get your drink someday!
pale crow
LOL
carmine pivot
If you remember, let me know. If not, enjoy it. Have a good night!
pale crow
You too!
pale bramble
Looks alright, tho i'd definitely go with a more high end CPU. But im sure it's enough for sims 4 & stardew valley.
You might be able to save a few bucks by going second hand.
timber widget
The CPU is absolutely fine
pale crow
Hey I was on the list and I was gonna add the hdd I’m taking from that old pc and I don’t know if it’s compatible because I can’t find the exact model of the hdd on pcpartpicker would this hdd be compatible
carmine pivot
Hey I was on the list and I was gonna add the hdd I’m taking from that old pc an...
If it's got a SATA connector, it should be, yes. From what I'm seeing, there shouldn't be a problem
Just make sure you've got a SATA power cable going to it from the power supply and a SATA data cable going to the board. The SATA ports are usually on the bottom-right or middle-right when facing the board in an upright position.
Oh, and be careful not to put to much pressure on the ends of the cables once they're plugged in. The plastic bits can and do snap. Forward pressure is fine. Up and down and side-to-side bad. If it's a power cable with many connectors, doesn't matter which one and multiple can be used simultaneously.